FEMA launches TED Talks approach to disaster response

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently held the first of its PrepTalks Symposiums, a TED Talks-style event that gives emergency management experts the chance to share their ideas on how to improve emergency response and preparedness.

“PrepTalks are given by subject-matter experts and thought leaders to spread new ideas, spark conversation, and promote innovative leadership for the issues confronting emergency managers now and over the next 20 years,” the FEMA website said.

The first PrepTalk was held on Jan. 29, 2018, and featured presentations from academic professors, journalists and leaders of emergency management organizations. It addressed issues of public warning systems, disaster resiliency and social capital.

“Today we launched PrepTalks (think TED Talks on emergency management topics). We aim to spread new ideas, spark conversation, and promote innovative leadership throughout the emergency management community,” wrote Daniel Kaniewski, deputy administrator for protection and national preparedness at FEMA, in a LinkedIn post on the talks.

The talks are a partnership between FEMA, the International Association of Emergency Managers, the National Emergency Management Association, the National Homeland Security Consortium and the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

Video and reading materials from the talks will be posted on the FEMA website.

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